Obituary of Franciene F. Barna

Franciene F. Barna, 72, beloved wife for over 52 years to Michael Barna of Troy, peacefully entered into eternal life on Sunday, August 7, 2016, in the comfort of her home after a courageous and valiant battle of 20 years with COPD.

Born in Charleroi, PA, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Ada Elizabeth Fleming Romansky and was a graduate of Charleroi High School. Franciene's main and most important priority was always her family.

She is the beloved wife of Michael; the devoted "Mama" of Michael (Sheila) Barna, Mary Kay (Jim) Cassidy, Nadia (Randy) Stachowicz and Peter (Melissa) Barna; the cherished and adored "Baba" of Andrew and Adam Barna, Zoeryana and Lilya Stachowicz and Giada, Anthony and Natalia Barna; loving niece of Mary "Mimi" Ward, sister-in-law of John (Maria) Barna and Wasyl (Danuta) Barna; also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Franciene had been employed by the New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and had, along with her husband, owned and operated their family corner store on Stow Hill in South Troy. From day one, she was always involved in her children's academic, athletic and social activities, which she then continued on with her grandchildren. She loved nothing more than her family. Franciene and Mike also loved hosting parties with family and the family friends, whether it was a birthday, holiday or just evening coffee with their dearest friends, Ida and Mario Bucciero and Anna and Vittorio Maietta. There was always an open door policy at their home and you were welcomed at all times. There was never a need to knock or ring the doorbell. Just walk right in and be sure to be empty handed as they would provide everything. "Baba" will always be remembered for her unconditional love and caring, her late night calls to go out for ice cream and for just always being there for everyone. When time allowed and she had a minute to relax, she would enjoy watching soap operas, both the local and national news, the Yankees, Rangers, Knicks and attending games of the Tri-City ValleyCats.

For several generations, she would assist many throughout the local Ukrainian and Polish communities who had emigrated to the United States, or were in need of help in trying to do so to settle here themselves, as this was the land of opportunity. She was the most selfless person one could ever meet. Franciene was also dedicated to her faith and was a communicant of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church in Troy, where she also enjoyed volunteering as a member of the Sisterhood with the church ladies for many years.

Funeral will be held on Friday at 9 a.m. from the John J. Sanvidge Funeral Home, Inc, (Corner of 115th Street and Fourth Avenue) in Lansingburgh, thence to the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, 459 Second St. in Troy where at 10 a.m. the Devine Liturgy will be celebrated.

Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Parastas will be held at 6:30 p.m.

Interment will be held in St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Colonie.

The Barna family wishes to extend their most sincere gratitude to Dr. William J. Feeney, Dr. Scott H. Beegle and his pulmonary staff, as well as to the Troy Fire Department EMS for all of their continued care and assistance. With your help, you provided us with allowing our mom to be at home with our Dad and us, where she always wanted to be.

In keeping with Franciene's belief to help those that are in need, her family has asked that those desiring, make memorial contributions to the Ronald McDonald House, 139 South Lake Ave, Albany, NY 12208, in memory of Franciene F. Barna.